News

Synergy Radiology Announcement – COVID-19

Managing Partner, Synergy Radiology, Dr. Tej Dugal today announced – “All Synergy Radiology sites are open to support the health of the community in the face of this growing pandemic.

Dr. Dugal states,  “As an integral part of the health services in Australia, we are committed to keeping our sites open to ensure we continue to provide high-quality healthcare to our patients.

“Our priority is also to minimise the exposure of patients, staff and radiologists and continue to run our sites with the full level of services on offer.

“We will continue to operate our sites to a high standard, increasing hygiene measures in accordance with the Department of Health guidelines. We are taking strict measures to protect and minimise the risk of an unexpected transmission to a patient whilst at our site. However, there may be the possibility with stringent controls put into place in the interest of safety, patients and referrers may experience increased throughput times and slight delays in results.

“Now is a time where we all must remain vigilant and stay informed of developments as they evolve. Our sites display clear signage at the front windows, indicating that patients who meet the clinical and epidemiological criteria for COVID-19 refrain from entering the site.”

Patients that are either a confirmed case or meet the clinical and epidemiological criteria for COVID-19 and are a suspect case will be redirected to the appropriate public health testing facility from our practice.

We urge all patients to contact us on (02) 8881 3888 with any questions.

 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Elise Turner (02)9466 5904

Announcement: Coronavirus testing does not take place at Synergy Radiology imaging sites

Synergy Radiology – Norwest Medical Imaging, would like to confirm that NO testing for Coronavirus has been performed or will be performed in our premises as this is not an Imaging test, but rather a Pathology test. As reported by 2GB and other online sources, testing was done last week by a pathology provider within the building. Following discussions, the pathology provider agreed to immediately discontinue Coronavirus testing services and further all areas have been disinfected and cleaned to Department of Health standards. Furthermore, the pathology provider has assured us ALL patients tested in the building that day have tested negative. Despite this, further precautions were taken that afternoon both by ourselves and the building Strata manager. Hospital-grade disinfection and cleaning was performed to all common areas as per Department of Health Standards to ensure no risks to our staff, patients and visitors.

Synergy continues to monitor and follow the guidelines set by the Department of Health to maintain a safe work environment for our staff, as well as continue to provide a safe facility for all our patients.

Getting an MRI? Here’s 5 commonly asked questions answered to help you plan

I have been referred for an MRI, but I want to avoid exposure to radiation.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) generates magnetic fields and radio frequencies, not x rays, so patients are not at risk of radiation exposure when undergoing an MRI scan. However, due to the strong magnetic fields, some patients cannot have an MRI. Prior to booking an MRI scan, patients are asked extensive safety questions about previous surgeries and injuries from metal to ensure they are safe. If you have any concerns about your suitability for MRI, you should discuss these with your doctor or one of our radiographers.

I suffer from claustrophobia, what can be done to manage my anxiety?

For patients who have claustrophobia, like CT scans, MRI’s can also be an anxiety inducing medical exam. The procedure requires patients to have the majority of their body slid inside a well-lit but narrow, tube of the MRI machine where they will be asked to lay still for the duration of the scan, which ranges from 15-90 minutes (depending on the area or size being scanned). Due to the way the image is created an MRI can be quite noisy. It’s always important to mention if you have any concerns when booking for an MRI. Synergy Radiology has experience working with patients who have claustrophobia, we also have a larger MRI tube at our Rouse Hill and Campsie sites that provides more room for the patient undergoing the procedure. We also provide light sedation for patients with severe claustrophobia. Please discuss this with your referring doctor.

How do I know if my MRI will be bulk billed or if I will have to pay?

At Synergy Radiology, when we receive your referral, your referral is protocolled with the radiographers and radiologists. The billing is determined by a few factors:

  • If the MRI scanner has a partial licence
  • If the referral is from a GP or Specialist
  • If your clinical indication fits the Medicare eligibility/criteria
  • The body part being imaged
  • Pre-approval for work-related injuries

What is an MRI partial licence?

It is a government-granted Medicare licence that allows bulk billing of adult MRI’s for certain regions such as the head, C-spine and knee for specific conditions (for GP referrals only) and a few specific specialist referrals for the abdomen and pelvis. There are other regions that are also included for under 16 years of age. The government restricts the number of licences in each state. The allocation is based on need in an area.

Does Synergy Radiology have a partial licence for MRI?

Yes, at Norwest medical imaging, Auburn medical imaging, and Campsie medical imaging. At our Rouse Hill Medical Imaging we have a full licence allowing the bulk billing of eligible MRI referrals from specialists.

 

If you need to get an MRI and have more questions you’d like answered, speak to someone from our friendly customer care team who can help you prepare for your test or discuss any concerns you may have. Call us today (02) 8881 3888.

Teal Ribbon Giving Day 2020

What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a general term used to describe a cancerous (malignant) tumour starting in one or both ovaries.
The ovaries are made up of three main kinds of cells – epithelial cells, stromal cells and germ cells. Each of these cells can develop into a different type of tumour. The average age of women when they are diagnosed with ovarian cancer is age 64. It is mainly diagnosed in women over the age of 50; however, there are cases diagnosed in younger women.

Every day, 4 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Sadly, only 46% of women survive, and in most cases it is diagnosed at an advanced stage, which is very difficult to treat. With your help, we can provide better support, treatment and outcomes to women living with the deadliest female cancer. With your help, we can save lives.

Speak with your GP or specialist about how Synergy Radiology can help.
We accept all referrals!

Obstetric Imaging

Obstetric Imaging

Looking after you through all stages of pregnancy.
Fast appointments available and onsite specialist reporting across all our practices.

Call now 8881 3888

Talk to your GP about how Synergy Radiology can help.
We accept all referrals!